Bordeaux – Valenciennes Preview

Bordeaux had a midweek game away in Israel but it meant nothing for them and all regulars remained in France. So tiredness should be out of the question.

As expected Bordeaux succeeded in ending Lille’s good run last round. It was a very difficulty game especially since they played in 10 for about half an hour. But by now they are expert in playing in numerical inferiority after also getting a red card (also min 60) 2 weeks ago at Guingamp.

In these conditions (always playing in 10) it is hard to appreciate if what was once their major issue (the offensive softness) was fixed or not.
But, judging by what is going on in the field, it looks like their game has a better flow.

Coach Gillot made a change a couple of rounds ago and introduced versatile Faubert on the right wing. When Obraniak was there he was always pushing in the center and fullback Mariano had to advance a lot and take Obraniak’s place on the wing.

Now Faubert is exclusively concentrated on the flank, opens many spaces and engages in dangerous actions with the center attacking midfielder (Obraniak or Jussie).

Only good news for Bordeaux as striker Diabate will return after injury.

Left fullback Poundje is suspended, but is the only position on the field where Bordeaux don’t really have a regular and constantly switch between Orban and Poundje, so no biggie there.

Valenciennes’ once again were booed by own fans last round against Guingamp (finished 1-1). They took the lead early in the game but after that entered a vegetative state. Of course they could not hold until the end and got equalized.

Once again the offensive attempts have been too shy. They are still without injured strikers Pujol and Le Tallec. Adding to that is the suspension of attacking midfielder Melikson, the only one making a bit of fuss upfront lately. Young N’Guette will return after injury and could go straight into the lineup. He is a good prospect but was out for a long time and lacks form.

At the back Valenciennes are too slow and the new system imposed by coach Jacobs seem to be disorientating players. As wingers they use converted fullbacks or central midfielders who are confused about their role.